25 Most Hotly Anticipated New TV Shows Of 2018

17. Black Lightning

Black Lightning Cw
The CW

Who? Mara Brock Akil and Salim Akil (creators), Greg Berlanti (executive producer); Cress Williams

What? The latest entry into The CW's roster of DC Comics shows, based on the character of the same name. Jefferson Pierce (Williams) is the central character, a retired vigilante who has suppressed his abilities - controlling electricity, firing lightning bolts etc - and now works as the principal at a local high school, but is forced to get back into the crime-fighting game.

Why? We've seen a lot of superhero shows over the past few years, but this sounds like an invigorating approach to the genre (helped by not being part of the Arrowverse - yet). Pierce comes out of retirement because of the town's gang problem and fears for his children, and that means this is going to be a story about community and family as much as it is superpowers, and it'll be interesting to see a slightly older take on the superhero too.

When & Where? January 16, The CW.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.